Service difficulty report · Spar · Cessna 172N

Difficulty date
August 14, 2002
Submitted
September 4, 2002
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N6231D
Make and model
Cessna 172N
Aircraft serial
17272649
Engine
Lyc O320*
Part
Spar
Part number
053200198
Condition
Cracked
Location
Horizontal Stab
Stage of operation
IN
How discovered
V
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
K

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

CRACKS IN FORWARD OVERLAPPING SPARS FOUND AT LIGHTENING HOLE LOCATED IN CENTER OF HORIZONTAL STABILIZER. 100 HOUR INSPECTION WAS BEING PERFORMED ATH THIS TIME. UPON REMOVAL, ADDITIONAL CRACKS WER FOUND ON THE OVERLAPPING SKIN. THE ADDITIONAL CRACKS COULD NOT BE SEEN UNLESS HORIZONTAL STABILIZER IS REMOVED. PROBABLE CAUSE: HIGH STRESS IN FLIGHT OR PUSHING DON ON OUTBOARD OF TAL. POSITIVELY SURFACE CORROSION ALSO LOCATED IN THE AREA.

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